Law
Nature of Work
Judges, officers of the state judicial services, advocates, counsel, along with the subordinate office staff compose the judiciary. While judges, officers of the judicial services are appointed by the government, lawyers/advocates/counsel may be hired or retained by private parties/companies/government bodies, etc., to represent their interests.
Lawyers counsel their clients as to legal rights and obligations, and suggest particular course of action. The aspects of a lawyer's job depend upon her/his field of specialization and position.
While all lawyers are licensed to represent parties in court, some appear in court more frequently than others; these lawyers specialize in trial work. Their ability to think quickly and speak with ease and authority as well as their familiarity with courtroom rules and strategy are particularly important in trial work. Some lawyers concentrate in the growing field of intellectual property. These lawyers help protect their client´s claims to copyrights, art work under contract, product designs, and computer programs. There are other lawyers who advise insurance companies about the legality of insurance transactions. Some lawyers work with corporate houses, or in law firms that service corporate houses. Here, lawyers work mainly as facilitators, helping companies work smoothly, efficiently, and within the boundaries of law.
Many lawyers help people in distress, advocating areas that they are concerned about, such as child rights, women’s issues, or the protection of refugees. This is the area of social law.
The majority of lawyers are in private practice, where they concentrate on criminal or civil law. In criminal law, lawyers represent individuals who have been charged with crimes and argue their cases in courts of law. In civil law, attorneys assist clients with litigation, wills, trusts, contracts, mortgages, titles, and leases.
Where to Study
Institute |
Eligibility |
National Law School of India University , Bangalore |
10+2 |
Faculty of Law, Delhi University |
10+2 |
Symbiosis Law College, Pune |
10+2 |
Christ College of Law, Bangalore |
10+2 |
National Law University, Jodhpur |
10+ 2 |
National Law Institute University, Bhopal |
10 +2 |
NALSAR, Hyderabad |
10 +2 |
Symbiosis Society’s Law College, Pune
|
10 +2 |
Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar
|
10 +2 |
NUJS, Kolkata
|
10 +2 |
ILS (Indian Law Society), Pune |
10 +2 |
| Government Law College, (Churchgate)Mumbai | 10+2 |
Prospects
Normally, a fresh law graduate starts as an apprentice to a senior lawyer. In this position, he performs a host of jobs under her/his training. It is only after a considerable amount of time and experience that a person starts practising privately. Some of them even join companies as legal officers. Lawyers may start private practice on their own or may join a senior lawyer as an assistant or junior in her/his private practice. In bigger cities, young lawyers may join law firms that employ a large number of lawyers in both senior and junior capacities.
Government service is another option for law graduates. They can join the professions in the government machinery by appearing for competitive examinations conducted by the various State Public Service Commissions.
A degree in law can be a value addition for Company Secretaries, Social Workers,
Personnel Managers/Industrial Relations Officers, Accountants, Tax Consultants, Civil Servants, etc. Post-graduation in law is a good idea for a teaching career.
Study Route
Law studies in our country may be taken up at two stages:
i.
After graduation, 3 yr degree course in law
ii.
After 10+2, 5 yr degree course in law
iii.
After 10+2, 5 yr Integrated Law Programme
(This programme is available at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore. Admission is through an All India Admission Test, held usually on the first Sunday in May.)